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SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE THINKING BIG


The logistical challenges of transporting or installing outsize and heavy components such as turbines and blades are considerable, and with larger units on the horizon those involved in the renewable energy sector require planning and foresight, alongside more Government clarity.


UNCERTAINTY


There is great uncertainty in the wind farm sector which many believe is based on lack of demand and no clear direction from the UK Government.


The uncertainty of manufacturers in the renewable energy market is reflected by companies, including those involved in providing transport and logistics services to those manufacturers. The problem is particularly acute because much of the equipment and facilities required to handle, for instance, wind turbines, will need to be purpose-built.


TRANSPORTATION


About 90% of the world’s non-bulk cargo is transported in containers, but substructures, turbines and blades fall into the 10% of cargo that is too large or heavy to be shipped in a sea container. And while some transport companies and ports are used to handling a wide variety of ‘heavy and ugly’ freight, it makes no sense for them to invest in facilities for handling wind farm equipment until they know exactly what will be manufactured.


decision to build wind turbines without any firm orders, our ability to build the facilities to assist in meeting these targets is hindered.” says Mr Hopkinson.


THE CHALLENGE FOR LOGISTICS


of different scenarios, but, given the differing requirements of the various manufacturers and fabricators, until we know exactly the nature and scope of what will be fabricated and shipped through the port, it is difficult to develop the port infrastructure.”


HAMPERING POTENTIAL pD ports owns the ports of teesport and Hartlepool and has already designated Hartlepool as the focus for its renewable energy facilities. The port has deep water, plenty of land available for companies to build manufacturing facilities and is already home to JDR Cable Systems, a leading cable manufacturer for renewable energy projects, and Heerema Fabrication Group, which specialises in the engineering and fabrication of large and complex structures, mainly for the offshore oil and gas and energy industry.


“We are talking to the industry all the time but there are still so many variables. We could configure Hartlepool in a particular way to suit a turbine manufacturer, but


Mr Hopkinson further explains, “We need the developers and the manufacturers to make the decisions, but they are not making the orders because they are waiting on Government commitments on long-term policies and subsidies.”


TIME, THE GREATEST HURDLE The problem is made worse by the fact that building vessels and upgrading port and other transport facilities takes time.


but time is something the UK Government does not have. It has signed up to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, committing it to producing 15% of UK energy from renewable resources by 2020. And for electricity specifically, the target is 30%, with more than two-thirds of that predicted to come from onshore and offshore wind.


ROUND 3 DEVELOPMENTS


In 2010, the Crown Estate announced the successful bidders for Round 3 of the UK’s offshore wind development, in nine further zones. These Round 3 developments are envisaged on a much bigger scale than Rounds 1 and 2 combined.


GOING IN BLIND


Jerry Hopkinson, Managing Director – bulks, ports and logistics at pD ports, explains: “We have the ability to develop our port assets to cater for a range


26 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk


At the moment, there are just 16 offshore wind farms, generating 1,858.20 MWe (compared with 324 onshore wind farms) according to RenewableUK. “Unless the Government makes some decisions very soon, or manufacturers make the bold


it would need to be different if it was a sub-structure manufacturer – so we can’t prepare in advance.”


While some vessels are being built with a view to the Round 3 market, there will potentially not be enough to meet needs if a sudden upsurge in demand follows a Government policy announcement.


Unlike electronics, where products get smaller as technology advances, there is no reason to believe the same is true as wind power technology advances. In fact, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) predicts that as the number of wind farms grows, the more they will have to be located in deeper water where the wind speeds are higher – and the larger the turbines will have to be.


HUGE POTENTIAL Mr Hopkinson concludes: “Like some other ports, we already have strong links with manufacturers in the sector and have handled a range of products for renewable energy customers. There is huge potential for ports and other transport companies to develop at least part of their businesses around the renewable energy sector, but we are all hampered by the lack of information about what is needed.”


PD Ports www.pdports.co.uk


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